Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

Calvinists of various shades and shadows picture and portray the sinner as a passive, inactive recipient of divine grace. Calvinism says the sinner is unable to answer the call of the Spirit for the same reason that a dead man cannot obey oral commands and verbal demands. A corpse cannot act until it is given life. Correspondingly, a dead sinner cannot perform until the Spirit of God quickens and renews him. If the poor sinner has the misfortune of being left out of those whom God has elected to be saved, he is doomed and damned, and there is nothing he can do about it. Worse still, there is nothing God or the Spirit will do about it, for, according to Calvin, it was God’s “good pleasure” to damn the damned. The Spirit will not effect a “work of grace” on his heart, and he cannot hear or heed on his own. “Nevertheless God continues to hold them responsible to respond to his call” (The Five Points Of Calvinism; p. 3).

Hypothetically, even if the Spirit were to feel remorse for the sinner and rebel against God and operate on his heart, it would not accomplish anything. The surgery would fail because Calvinism says Christ did not die for the sinner in the first place. So, the Holy Spirit need not bother.

The Definition Of “Dead”

All agree that the sinner is “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13). The sinner is spiritually dead. The Calvinist says this means the sinner is unable to move. Like a corpse in a coffin, he cannot respond. But is this the meaning of the term “dead” as applied to the sinner? Paul defined the term for us in Col. 2:13: “And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.” To be quickened (made alive) is to be forgiven. Therefore, to be dead means to be unforgiven. Further, Paul showed that to be “quickened” is the same as being saved. See.. his interchangeable use of the terms in Eph. 2:1,5. To be made alive is to be saved; therefore, to be dead is to be unsaved.

The divine definition:

QUICKENED = BEING SAVED FORGIVEN

DEAD = BEING UNSAVED OR UNFORGIVEN

Thus, the term “dead” as applied to the sinner is not parallel in all respects to the physical corpse. A dead man cannot hear. So, the Calvinist says the dead sinner cannot hear the Gospel. This perverts Paul’s definition of the term, and what is equally as bad, it “makes void” the very words of Jesus in John 5:25. Said He, “The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” First, the dead_ hear, then they live. The Calvinist, however, puts the passage in reverse and perverts; Christ’s words when He says the dead sinner cannot hear until after he is made alive by the Spirit.

JESUS: DEAD HEAR, THEN LIVE

CALVINIST: DEAD ENLIVENED, THEN HEAR

In Rom. 11:14,15, Paul used the term “dead,” not to indicate inability to act, but to refer to the condition of being lost, unsaved. “If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?” If the Calvinist is correct in his definition of dead when he says the dead sinner is unable to act, Paul was wasting his time. He was seeking to “provoke to emulation” those who were dead. How do you provoke a corpse to emulation? Paul wanted to save some of them if he could. Their salvation would be “life from the dead.” Again, salvation equals life, while being unsaved is equal to being “dead.”

Dead In Sins And Dead To Sins

The sinner is “dead in sins” and cannot obey the Gospel says Calvinism. He has to be quickened by the Spirit before he can act. “You might as well ask a corpse to obey you as to ask a dead sinner to obey the Gospel.” Being dead in sins, the sinner cannot obey according to Calvinists.

If this be true; what of the child of God? He is said to be “dead to sin” (Rom. 6:2; 1 Pet. 2:24). Should we conclude that the child of God cannot sin? If the sinner’s being “dead in sin” means he cannot obey the truth, then the fact that saints are “dead to sin” ought to prove that saved ones cannot commit sin. If we use the Calvinist’s definition of “dead” the conclusion is inescapable, i.e., the Christian cannot sin. However, the saved may obey sin in the lusts thereof (Rom. 6:12,13,16). Thus; the term dead does not imply the absolute impossibility of acting, whether on the part of the saint or the sinner.

Truth Magazine, XX:3, p. 2
January 15, 1976

By Irvin Himmel

Broadly speaking, astrology is a pseudo-science which pertains to the celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs. It has its :roots in the ancient paganistic religions. From Babylon it spread to other parts of the world. It is not surprising that men who worshiped the sun; moon, and stars would suppose that these heavenly bodies had control of human destiny.

“Judicial astrology” is the philosophical concept that man is a miniature replica of the universe, so each person reflects in himself and his circumstances the pattern of the heavens at the time of his birth, and that the pattern of the heavens at that time describes that person. The horoscope is a chart by which it is claimed that one may learn what is in store for him.

Astrology appeals to people who have a strong desire to know the future. In this age of frustrations, fears, and uncertainties, instead of turning to the Bible, God’s revelation of His will, large numbers of people are turning to astrology.

Recently someone handed me a newspaper clipping of an article by John R. Hawkins, a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. This gentleman shows more bias than objectivity in his attempts to make the Bible uphold astrology.

First, Mr. Hawkins takes us back to Gen. 1:14-16, where God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years …… This passage says absolutely nothing to the effect that these heavenly lights have control over all human affairs. They are signs declaring the glory of God (Ps. 19:1), signs by which we may find the point of the compass, and signs of changes in the seasons. What the astrologer needs is a proof text that these luminaries are signs of what is going to happen in each individual’s span of life.

Hawkins remarks, “In the New Testament we find Christ referring to the weather in relation to the sky.” So what? The fact that the sun, moon, and other celestial bodies have bearing on weather conditions, changes in the seasons, and the like gives no proof that they determine such human affairs as romance, marriage, business transactions, state of one’s health, and personality makeup.

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees for being able to read weather signs but not the signs that the times of the Messiah’s reign were at hand. The “face of the sky” and the “signs of the times” (Matt. 16:1-4) were altogether different. He referred them to the sign of the prophet Jonah, which was not an astrological sign, but the prophet’s miraculous deliverance from the whale (Matt. 12:38-40). Hawkins jumps from this to the “sign of His coming” in Matt. 24, and like the premillennialists, confuses what Jesus said about abnormal conditions prior to the destruction of Jerusalem and what He said later in the chapter about His personal return. I judge that it has not occurred to Hawkins. that the language of Matt. 24:29 could be figurative (Compare Ezek. 32:1-10; Isa. 13). The professional astrologer wants people to think that wherever the Bible mentions a sign it is to be understood as an astrological sign. Jesus did not endorse astrology.

“Tradition has Abraham as an astrologer and mathematician. No wonder God referred to Abraham in relation to the stars of heaven,” says Hawkins. Tradition is not reliable. Jesus taught that men often make void the word of God through their “tradition” (Mk. 7:13). One does not need to be a disciple of astrology to be impressed with the heavens! To reason that Abraham was an astrologer because God said his seed would be as the stars of the heaven (Gen. 22:17) is about like arguing that Abraham was an oceanographer because God said his seed would be as the sand upon the sea shore.

Astrologer Hawkins contends that Joseph understood the meaning of the sun and moon and the eleven stars in his dream (Gen. 37:9), so this must have been knowledge passed down from Abraham to Isaac to Jacob and his sons. “If Joseph knew the meaning of the sun and moon, surely he wouldn’t have stopped there: he would know the significance of the other planets.” What logic! One simple fact is completely overlooked: Joseph knew what the symbols in this dream meant for the same reason he knew the meaning of the symbols in the dreams of the baker, the butler, and Pharaoh. Interpretations belong to God (Gen. 40:8; 41:16). It was God, not astrology, that gave understanding to Joseph.

Hawkins even attempts to line up Paul on the side of the astrologers. “Paul understood that the planets had differing power that God had set in order.” This is supposed to be inferred in 1 Cor. 15:39-44. Read the passage and you will find that Paul no more said that than he said the fishes have differing intestinal systems that God set in order! Mr. Hawkins assumes that if someone in the Bible refers to the sun, moon, or other heavenly bodies in any way he (1) was an astrologer, (2) had been taught astrology, or (3) endorsed astrology. His arguments to prove astrology by the Scriptures are too weak to stand un under close examination.

Astrologers were among the “wise men” called in by Nebuchadnezzar in Dan. 2, but they were powerless to make known the secret which God revealed by His prophet Daniel. The real answers to life’s problems are found in the revelation of God recorded in His Word, not in the silly predictions of astrological charts.

In Isa. 47:12,13, “the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators,” are classed with “enchantments” and “sorceries,” The Israelites were warned against the “observer of times,” “an enchanter,” and other deceivers (Deut. 18:9-12).

One woman is reported to have stayed in bed for a week because the signs were not right for her to leave the house. This illustrates the fatalistic philosophy of astrology. The sincere Christian follows the Bible, not a horoscope. He trusts in God, not an astrological diagram. He knows that he has freedom of choice rather than supposing the stars control his course.

Truth Magazine, XX:2, p. 13-14
January 8, 1976

By A. C. Grider

We are living in a time when people could “care less” for spiritual matters. Hence the title which stands at the head of this article. In this regard, times have been better in the past. But we seem to have reached a new low in getting response to our efforts. I wonder if times will ever by any better along this line.

The work of the preacher grows more difficult and frustrations become greater as time goes on. Go out and talk to a man whose soul we would like to see saved and invite him to services. He shakes it off with, “I ain’t a making you no promises.” He seems to think he owes the preacher a promise. When (and if) he finally does come, it likely will be a “one time only” thing, and even then he smirkingly acts like he has done us a big favor by coming. Or try to talk to him on the spot about the salvation of his soul and he is much too busy to listen. Or else he will shrug it off as if something else was far more important.

We go to members of the church who seldom attend services and plead with them to be more faithful. They will shake it off with, “I know I am not coming as I should. I know I should come.” These so-called Christians seem to think they owe the preacher this much of a concession. When (and if) they do come as result of the exhortation, it will likely be a “one time only” thing and again they go back to being unfaithful. So it is necessary to try, try again.

What can we do; what can we say to get sinners, both in the church and out, to see that it is not for our sake nor even for Jesus’ sake that we want them to obey the gospel? Why can’t they see it is for their own good and for the sake of their own soul that we plead with them? I am reminded of a story the late N.B. Hardeman used to tell. He had engaged in a very heated discussion with a cantankerous old sinner, but to no avail. The argument waxed hot and Hardeman became impatient. Hardeman later said, “I thought once I would tell him to go to hell. But, on second thought, I knew he would go anyway so I didn’t tell him.” That is a kind of humorous thing and in a way seems to be a little harsh. But in all seriousness, it might open some eyes if some people were bluntly told to go to torment. At any rate, alien sinners and erring Christians many times are “careless souls” and they continue to “linger.” I don’t know anything to do or anything the Lord wants us to do but keep trying to get them to do what they must do to be saved.

Truth Magazine, XX:2, p. 12-13
January 8, 1976

By Ed Welch

Who has God as their Father? Who has an inheritance that will last forever? Who have brothers and sisters yet they have different last names? Who can receive forgiveness of sins? Christians have all of these things. We have received and continue to receive forgiveness of sins. We have Christ as our Older Brother, we have different parents yet we are brothers and sisters, an inheritance that will last forever and the Creator as our Father. What more can we ask for? What more can a person ask for than adoption into such a family?

Natural Families

In human family relationships, the family will vary in as many different ways as there are families. One obvious fact is that in any family all the members will eventually die and the family will cease to exist except through the children of the children. How many people do you know whose parents are dead and whose brothers and sisters are all dead?

Fathers vary from family to family. They are all susceptible to death and sickness. In many families the fathers have left (some through divorce, some through neglect).

Discipline varies from father to father and between father and mother. Things the child has done against his father are many times remembered by that father even though the sin is over, the child disciplined and forgiven.

The human family, for all of its frailties, is the God-decreed institution for bringing children into the world and for man and woman to live togther. The world is dependent upon the family unit for its future and its stability, however, the human family functions for a short time (if at all) on this earth before it is terminated by disease, death or divorce.

God’s Family

“Household of Faith” (Gal. 6:10) and “Household of God” (Eph. 2:19; Heb. 3:6) are used in reference to God’s family. God’s family also is established by its components: Father (Rom. 15:6; 2 Cor. 1:3-4; 11:31; Eph: 1:3-5), Christ the firstborn son (John. 1:18; Rom. 8:29; Heb. 1:6) and adopted children (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5) of God who receive an inheritance (Eph. 1:11,14,18; 5:5; Col. 1:12).

What sort of family is this? How does it compare with the human family? What advantages are there in the family of God? In this family God is the only parent. Jesus the Christ is His only begotten Son and Christians are adopted children. In this family there is only one center of all authority (Matt. 3:17; 17:5; Eph. 1:15-23); there is no doubt as to who is in charge. God’s commandments apply to all equally (Acts 11:1-18; 17:23-31; Rom. 2:1-16; Eph: 2:11-16). God is eternal (Gen. 21:33; Deut. 33:27; Isa. 40:28) and there is no sickness in Him (1 Tim. 6:16; Jas. 1:13,17) and with one parent there is no divorce. There is no earthly family that has this sort of stability in its parents. God has shown no neglect, He has demonstrated His concern by fulfilling His plans (Eph. 1:1-14; Rom. 8:18-30). He not only forgives His erring children, but He remembers their sins no more (Jer. 31:34). Children talk about the status of their parents and how important they are. Who is more important than God

Christ is our Older Brother. He is God and was with man in human form for about 33 years (Lk. 3:23). He was tempted in all ways (Matt. 4:lff; Lk. 4:2; Heb. 4:15), yet He overcame and was sinless (Isa. 53:9; 2 Cor 5:21); thus being the perfect sacrifice (Heb. 10:1-12) and the perfect example (John 14:6,7). He has received all authority from His Father and does only the will of His Father (Mk, 14:36; Lk. 22:42; John 3:34; 15:10). Like all older children, He sympathizes with His brothers and sisters, mediating- interceding-reconciling them with the Father (Heb. 8:6; 7:25; Rom. 5:10-11). Children talk about the things their brothers or sisters have done. Who can claim a nobler Brother who has had more of a good effect on the world, who has shown such a good example to His brethren and has such great authority?

The other children are adopted. This shows the concern of God the Father to mankind. The children are not only adopted, but they receive an inheritance that is eternal and good. No other children receive forgiveness of their sins which weigh as millstones around their necks (Acts 2:38; 1 John 1:5-10). A person who has no living family has, in Christ, a complete, eternal family. The Father has told His children how they are to treat each other (Rom. 12:9-21; Gal. 6:10; Eph. 5:15-21), their natural family (Eph. 5:22-33; 6:1-4), the state (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17), and non-Christians (Rom. 12:9-21; Gal. 6:11). What other child can say he has such clear, complete, uplifting instructions from his father; that he has forgiveness of sins; that he has such a great inheritance and closeness to other children?

How Do I Get Into This Family?

First, hear the word of God explaining His will to you (Rom. 10:17).

Second, believe what must be done (Acts 16:11) and have faith that God will do His part (Heb. 11:6).

Third, repent of your sins and set out to follow-Christ (Lk. 13:3,5; Acts 26:20).

Fourth, confess Jesus is the Christ, the only begotten Son of God (Rom. 10:10; 1 John 4:15).

Fifth, be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost and you will receive forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38) and addition by God into the church (Acts 2:47).

Sixth, in order to assure your inheritance, continue in obedience to Christ (Matt. 7:21; Rev. 2:10).

Examples of some others who were added into the family of God: Acts 2:1-42; 8:26-40; 16:27-34; 9:3-20; 22:1-21; 26:9-20.

Life in the Family

Now that you are a Christian, let us look at life in the family. Through His word God has revealed His will to us that we will be pleasing to Him if we obey Him (Heb. 5:9). Part of His will is that we are to do good to all men, especially to the household of faith (Gal. 6:10). We are to bear each others burdens (Gal. 6:2), strengthen each other (Rom. 14:17-19) and not tear each other down (Gal. 5:15; Jas. 3:14; 4:11). These commands are given to us as individuals. This individual responsibility is not so suprising, for in our physical families, if a brother or sister needs help we help them directly, we do not set-up a committee or any organization to help them. By these commands being individual responsibilities, each member of the family should be attuned and responsive to the needs of his brothers and sisters (organizations have no understanding, love or concern).

Being close to each other has many effects: (1) People who see the closeness of this family relationship want to be a member of it. (2) Brethren who miss services are not alone in their problems. They have brethren, who will help and strengthen them. Brethren who are missing services have many different reasons: they are sick, they are watching someone who is sick, they , are visiting (hopefully another congregation), they are losing their faith. By being close to each other these problems can be faced and dealt with. If brethren are not close it is easy to wait (as a normal practice) until the missing brother finally makes it to services and ask the question, “I haven’t seen you at services for a while, why weren’t you here?” This is certainly a poor question, unless you are interested in taking their statement for historical purposes. The question should have been asked while they were missing the services, while they needed help, not after the crisis is past. Asking the question after the crisis is past only makes them bitter and wonder where their brothers’ genuine concern is. This is no way to treat brethren when they need help. (3) Brethren when they are together are more likely to act like Christians and are not so easily tempted. (4) Brethren see how each other live as Christians and therefore by example strengthen each other. (5) When brethren are close to each other they want to work together to do Gods’ will TOGETHER and to do the things that are necessary in supporting the work of the local congregation to the glory of their Father. (6) When brethren are close the attendance of the assembly goes up followed by an increase in new brethren.

A Family In Unity

True Christian fellowship must be based on one thing, the active desire to do the will of God (1 John 1:7). If we do not agree to do His will we are not acting like true children of God and divisions are caused among brothers and sisters and thus children of God are separated from each other and from their Father (Isa. 59:2). In effect not doing the will of the Father is saying, “not Thy will Father, but mine be done” (Jas. 4:11).

Understanding the kingdom/church in the family sense will help us to understand the way Christ prayed to His Father (John. 17:20-23; Mk. 14:36), why we should be emotionally close to Christ and our Father (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6) and to each other. Understanding the church as a family gives greater dimension to our life in Christ. This true closeness shown by our obedience to our Father’ older Brother and our concern for each other is true fellowship in unity, based on our older Brother’s example, “not my will but, Thine be done.”

Conclusion

The church looked upon in the family sense is a magnet to Christians and non-Christians. To the Christian it provides the only source that helps him to obey God, receive forgiveness of his detestable sins, live in this world without being enslaved to it and the encouragement-love-warmth that makes living more than just getting by. To the non-Christian, he sees a closeness not achieved in his own family. He will always have family, he has a chance to be with those whom he believes are pleasing to God-a chance for him to be pleasing to God, and a chance to be free from his yoke of sin.

The family of God is the only family/organization through which eternal life is offered (Eph. 1:3-14). There is no doubt as to the will of the Father. His sincerity is shown by offering His only begotten Son that man might have forgiveness of sins in the short term and eternal life in the long term. This is only offered in Christ (Acts 4:10-12). How can we neglect such a great family salvation and how can those who are not Christians keep their eyes and hearts away from such a desirable family-salvation?

Truth Magazine, XX:2, p. 10-12
January 8, 1976